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Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme

Had been very busy firing in a high wind which was exhilarating after the comparative idleness they had had lately. Yesterday he had been to the vegetable market in Amiens early to get potatoes.

Was now down in the mess having just finished censoring letters. Had just found a letter for her in his overcoat pocket which would mean she had to wait for a letter. Tells her not to be anxious as if he had been killed she would have heard at once.

He had heard from Trafford. He was in the next Corps to he hoped to be able to see him. Trafford was very pleased by Ruth’s visit to Doris. Was surprised that they couldn’t afford a nurse as Trafford was getting very good pay.

Two good evenings - Platnauer was quite a success and last night he had got talking to Bell till 10.30.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 6 1916'

Had received nine letters from her. Glad to hear of his friends coming into her life. Very pleasant to hear of her making a friend of Robert who had stayed at Westbrook. The Headmaster didn’t encourage Robert’s friendship with Johnstone and was not disposed to let him go out very much on the grounds that he was somewhat spoilt and didn’t get on well in the house. Advised her to write to the head of Saunderites House using a dictionary [Ruth was dyslexic] to request a visit. She could also tell Johnstone that he would be very glad to receive a letter from him.

He had heard from Rooper that Clements had left Charterhouse and he was sorry as he was the one really interesting boy he knew.
Her visit to the Reade’s seems to have been a success. Kar Cox was a charming person but he didn’t know her as well as some of his friends notably David and Geoffrey Keynes. Didn’t know Ward but he was a friend of Rupert Brooke. Was sure Bridget was one of the best of people.

Comments on Arthur Clutton-Brock’s speech which Ruth had recounted to him.

Only bitter feelings he had towards Mr Rendall was that he wanted to avoid a bore. He felt in his bones the ill bred pomposity of Langton probably because he had offended his vanity by having too little regard for his opinions.

Was glad she was getting to know Mrs Brock. News about Kit was really bad and must have upset them very much.

He hadn’t written to her much lately as he was in a sociable mood and spent time talking after meals. He had played bridge. He went to bed at 9.30pm as it was difficult to be comfortable outside bed. He read whilst his feet got warm. He never had night work which was a blessing but was liable to be woken at 6.30am.

Two parcels of clothes had arrived. She had chosen well and he felt luxurious. The men didn’t go short of warm clothes but they didn’t have oil stoves in their dugouts nor a dry mess room. He drew the line at a hot water bottle as it would make him feel like a pig. He would be quite cosy once he got a curtain.

Lithgow had applied for special leave to attend to business and would probably get it.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 8 1916'

Lithgow had gone on special leave. Bell was in command and he was 2nd which meant they got to work together. The car was out of action for two weeks. Weather was fine and the wind had changed so hoped they would be spared the deluge for a day or two. His dugout leaked the day before yesterday. Thought he could take measures to prevent that.

Had received letters from her and Mrs Fletcher. The Headmaster hoped to be back at Charterhouse in September. She talked about the unfortunate interest in Robert’s relationship with Johnstone whose mother had found some affectionate letters and refused to allow Robert to see him.

Comments on the questions in her letters - the enclosure from Mr Greig’s solicitors and whether he needed a second table cloth.

Earl had come to lunch. They were in agreement about the war. He would like to cut the Germans’ communications with Turkey before they finished but that shouldn’t delay efforts to obtain terms. Discusses Germany’s move into Poland, French success being due to a mistake by the Germans rather than a weakening of the line, Italy’s advance, and that Germany were paying in the west for her efforts in the east.

Hopes Violet gets better from her toothache quickly.

[Postscript] - asks her to send any copies of his letters which mention the life of the battery as he had to make a war diary - a tiresome job.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 12 1916'

Had been busy since Lithgow had gone on special leave. Had been up to the observation post and as it was too misty to observe had worked with two signallers to make a proper place for the F.O.O. [Forward Observation Officer]. Had gone to the village to meet a working party sent by Bell. The village was much less damaged and so more interesting than other villages in the area. Had waited in the growing moonlight watching the infantry coming and going but his party hadn’t turned up.

Car was out of action so had gone with Casey in the motor lorry to collect stores for the canteen which took a long time. Had two letters from her, one from Raymond and one from Harold Porter. Raymond regretted not being able to go over the top with the Guards Division on the 15th. Hoped to see him if he got leave next month. Only thing holding up regular leave was a lack of transport.

Interested in her account of Johnstone and was disappointed he hadn’t turned out more attractive. Robert wouldn’t tend to increase his modesty.

Not to send butter regularly as they could get it there. Asks if she had received any rent from the Greens as he had heard nothing since they had been at New Romney.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 14 1916' [he has written 1914 but it is actually 1916]

Speculates about when he might get leave and how best to spend it so he could see family and friends.

Had been busy. Yesterday they started firing at 5.45am and today at 6.45am. Yesterday’s operation on the Ancre appeared to have been a success. Had not been content with life lately. He had spend too long making arrangements to avoid discomfort that he had got into the habit of thinking too much about comforts and living in a spiritually lazy way. He got a wonderful lot of sleep there and liked his bed too much.

He had head from his mother who had not yet received his letter thanking her for the waistcoat and he wonders if it is at the bottom of the Channel.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 16 1916'

The men were working on a vast chamber 18’ x 24’ which he thought should be called the saloon. He had suggested a minstrels’ gallery at one end for the various performances on melodion, mouth organ, and penny whistle. It was to be warm. It would be a wonderful pleasure to the men to have a place where they can congregate and would promote song and laughter.

The ground had almost dried up and that was worth the bitter east wind.

Speculates about leave but doesn’t want to get his hopes up.

The adjutant had been in to dinner during which the enemy was shelling all around and the tear gas was penetrating everywhere. Yesterday Chamier came in to tea with his brigade doctor who was called Falconer, a very agreeable Scot. Was hoping Chamier would come in again with a boy called Shepperd who had been in his form. The sociabilities made all the difference to the monotonous life there and were indulged in more as the Captain was away.

The success on the Ancre was growing with more prisoners being caught daily.

Acknowledges the arrival of a cake different to the usual Plum cake but quite good.

He was reading M. Chéradame’s Pan-Germanisme which was a very interesting account of Germany’s ambitions which made him want to keep on fighting.

Asks if she knows what happened to Daudet’s L’Avant Guerre as he took it out of the London Library and read what he wanted before he went down to New Romney. Thinks she has it and the London Library wanted it back.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France during the Battle of the Somme, 'Nov 17 1916'

He had heard nothing more about leave. The climbing boots had arrived and he had every hope that they would keep his feet warm. Cake and buns had also arrived. They would have the buns for tea when Austin Earl was due to come. He had arrived at lunch time but had only just had his breakfast.

They were doing little considering the dry weather. He had dug with the men for an hour and then spent the rest of the time in his dugout reading M. Chéradame's Pan-Germanisme - a very interesting part about the population of southern Serbia. He had wrapped his curtain round his knees as it made all the difference to his warmth. The supply of paraffin wasn’t unlimited so he couldn’t burn his stove day and night and he preferred to use it after dark. The mess room was not a warm place.

Charmier and Sheppard came in last evening but not to dinner. He liked Shepherd who came in talking about the Dardanelles and the coast of Asia Minor. Dunbar and Wood had also been to dinner to eat a brace of pheasants which came from the Captain’s shooting.

His turn on the observation post tomorrow.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Nov 19 1916'

He wouldn’t get away until the Captain got back as Bell was going home and then would probably get command of a Siege Battery. This was very good for him and he was glad for that reason but he was feeling much depressed as Bell was the only one he wanted to talk to. If he was left with Lithgow he would probably go off his head.

He wouldn’t write a proper letter as it would be too gloomy. They had a thaw which was no good for observation. He had to go to the tapping station in case he was needed. Four hours of standing doing absolutely nothing but with a very nice party of signallers so he didn’t mind. It was impossible to get warm. Was hoping for a letter from her but the post was uncertain again.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Nov 20 1916'

Was sorry for the gloomy note he wrote yesterday. The war was getting the better of him but he was getting his own back. The worse the weather the less they had to do but even that little was difficult to complete. He wished he had some fixed things at fixed times during the day but that was impossible. He would try and make a plan for the evenings. He would be less sociable once Bell had left which would make it easier to settle down to mental occupation. A lot of energy went into fighting the cold and discomfort.

Last night he was cheered by the appearance of Platnauer, George and Falconer. Had a good time playing Bridge and talking about books and art. He thinks he needs others to lift his spitis and it was feeble to be dependent on anything exterior.

Discusses the nature of his depression.

[Letter resumes shortly before tea time] - He had been digging and felt more of a man. He would like to be able to draw what he sees. He had acquired a quite special feeling about men digging. His diggers would be simple, solid folk like the sort that Jean-Francois Millet might have painted but his would be more in harmony with the soil.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France

Had received her lovely letters. The Captain was due back tomorrow. Bell’s move had been put on hold and he had put in for leave. Speculates on when he would get leave.

Discusses likely terms for the end of the war. Doubted it was possible to draw up terms which would prevent the Russians from exercising their old influence in Central Europe and the Balkans. Wonders at what point the price paid would be sufficient. If Germany were likely to collapse it would be advisable to carry on until that point but he doubted that would happen.

News of Clare was enchanting. Hopes she is better from the attack of vomiting.

Had heard from Harold Porter who was happy in his job of divisional signalling officer. Had heard from Brother Giles who was in Cambridge on a cadet course. Mentions the Greens [who were renting their house, the Holt] and the arrangements he had made with them about coal. Was missing her and looking forward to seeing her.

[Postscript written at 3.30pm on 23 Nov in pen] - was just back from a reconnaissance in their front line which had been an extraordinarily interesting and strenuous day in indescribable conditions. Was waiting for his batman to bring water in the hope of having a hot bath in his dugout.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Nov 25 1915' [it is actually 1916]

The Captain thought, as they all did, that he did too much himself so they were taking it in turns doing the Battery Commander work. He had begun today and was in the Captain’s dugout and was in charge of the battery so far as shooting was concerned, orders from HQ, ammunition etc.

Yesterday he had been to the observation post taking Dunbar’s turn so he could get a job finished but the light was bad so he didn’t succeed. It was atrociously cold. Some pleasant infantry fellows were occupying the trench. They shared lunch and chatted around a fire.

Had been writing a report about his reconnaissance which was a voluntary stunt which be thought was interesting and hoped would be useful.

He was beginning to have little hope of leave in the near future. Had received her letters and was glad that Clare was better. It was splendid to hear of her standing. Didn’t want her to become bandy legged. The song books had arrived as well as a chocolate cake.

Thanked Mrs W. for her noble efforts.

He had managed to have a hot bath which was the first since he had been out there.

‘It’s been soaking wet all day’ is written up the margin.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Nov 26 1916' and 'Nov 27'

Discusses the possibility of leave and the disappointment of delays.

The partition wall between the Captain’s dugout, or map room as it had come to be called, and the telephonists’ place fell in as it was waterlogged. He had to carry out his Battery Command work from the mess room which was also where the Captain and two signallers would have to sleep. Deluge again which his dugout had survived with only a mild stream down one wall making a puddle under his bed and minor damage to the staircase walls. The big new work didn’t get covered in time and was in a mess.

Was going to plan the feast and festivities for the men’s Xmas.

Discusses the news from Romania.

[Letter continues 27 Nov] - The discomforts there would be nothing like those he experienced in Weymouth the winter before. The sordid room he had shared with Hooper and general messiness of No. 14 made him shudder to think of it. Her being at Abbotsbury redeemed it all.

He was glad she found time for reading and liked Boswell. It was time for her to read his book and then the Tour in the Hebrides. Ann Veronica [by H.G. Wells] made a sensation when it came out and he shocked people when he read it in Cambridge. Thinks she might enjoy Tono Bungay more.

He had heard from Polly - a long rigmarole of trivialities and she must have bored the Brocks. Says he has the keenest scent for detecting a bore and will go to any lengths to avoid them.

Her instructions for finding Bob Morgan would be thrown away as if the occasion arose he would be sent the other way.

Explains the problem with his ankle and that it was getting better.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Nov 27 1916'

Disappointment that his leave might not come through for two months.

The news from Romania made him feel that he could run like an ostrich and bury his head in the sand.

Lithgow was now Acting Major and Bell was acting Captain. He planned to go to Amiens to get food for the men’s Xmas. The plan for the day was 9am breakfast (an hour later than usual), porridge and sausage and mash; dinner - roast pork, plum pudding, dessert; tea - fresh butter and new bread, jam, biscuits and celery; supper - soup, bread and cheese. He had fixed it up with the Games Committee and the most surprising thing was the enthusiasm for celery for tea. He was planning a football match with Platnauer’s battery.

Asks if she was sending him an Xmas parcel. If so it had to be sent by 5 December. Thought mince pies wouldn’t last but if she sent mincemeat the cook could manage the pastry.

They had great music last night before, during, and after dinner. One of Lithgow’s Scots playing the melodeon, Bell on the flute, and one of the signallers and himself sang.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Dec 3 1916'

Was largely occupied with thoughts of Xmas. Describes the large room which they had built and which was nearly finished.

Was arranging a football match on Xmas Day with Platnauer’s battery and he hoped for fine weather.

His week as battery commander was coming to an end and Dunbar would take over. He would be very busy scouring the countryside for beer and sausages. Had enjoyed the last week even though he had been stuck in the office as he needed to be within range of the telephone. The Major was building out a dining room [he includes a plan].

Lists various things he wants: Italian books; two pairs of thick stockings; two toothbrushes; Literary Supplement and occasionally other publications - New Statesman, Nation Review of Reviewers, and Contemporary Review; and some tea.

An excellent plum cake had arrived.

Would refrain from making any remarks about the war. He would await news and continue to believe in the Russian army.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Dec 6 1916'

It was almost lunch time and he was just up as he had a beastly cold. He had felt feverish when he played Bridge with Platnauer and then he had been out with the sergeant major in the motor lorry to get supplies which was a slow business. He went to bed early and took two vegetable laxative pills and was feeling better.

Bell went off yesterday in very high spirits. He would get a few days at home before his course began. Was surprised to hear that Ralph wasn’t coming out for a time before commanding a battery. Dunbar was staying there for his week as battery commander. Lithgow was in Amiens today.

Asks what ‘political thunderbolt’ means, that Lloyd George wants to get rid of Balfour or Asquith?

Earl was going home as his kidney weakness had been giving him a lot of trouble.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Dec 8 1916'

Yesterday he was in Amiens with Wood. He had fixed up the contract for pork and sausages for Xmas. Had dined and played Bridge with the neighbouring H.A.G. headquarters.

Dud day as far as the observation post was concerned as it was raining this morning and impossible to see more than 400 yards all day. He and four men had occupied the half way house and he had spent the time reading Rob Roy [by Walter Scott]. They chatted but weren’t a particularly interesting party. About six hours with no employment.

Had a good letter from her in response to his about the postponement of leave and she was very brave. It may come quicker than he had thought. The Romanian news was so disgusting that he reused to make any comments.

He was feeling better after his feverish cold. Asked for more details about her religious society.

[Letter continues later] - He had just been playing race demons with Lithgow and he describes the game.

Had received letters from her, Mrs Brock, Ursula, and Avie. Wishes Avie would go and stay at Westbrook. Was sorry to hear that the Headmaster [of Charterhouse] was unwell.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France, 'Dec 9 1916'

Didn’t want to say anything about leave again as she would be disappointed if it wasn’t true but he hoped his leave would be very soon. He was due to be at the observation post again tomorrow. The weather was more disagreeable than he could imagine and he hadn’t seen the sun for 20 days.

He hopes there wouldn't be any delay to his leave this time. [There wasn’t and he was home a few days later returning to France on Boxing Day].

Letter to Ruth Mallory written on 'Friday 29 Dec 1916' on his arrival back in France after his leave

He had made a list in pencil of requirement that he had forgotten to leave with her. He had arrived back early that morning. Men were all really pleased with Xmas Day. They were firing in the morning of Xmas Day so dinner was late - 3pm. There was a continuous session with food and music until midnight.

Mud was worse than when he had left. He had tripped over a wire but saved himself.

He had finished Mr Britling Sees it Through [by H. G. Wells] on the train which was very interesting and he would send it to her to read.

Talks about their time together whilst he was on leave.

He had found her parcel - plums, assorted fruits, ginger, chocolates, tinned turkey, and brawn. The mince pies were greatly appreciated and some mincemeat remained. Chocolate cake had not arrived.

Had to be up early for the Observation Post.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on '31 Dec 1916'

Didn’t enjoy his day at the observation post which had been a sloppy messy day. The last work he was doing before leaving the battery had been the construction of a little tin hut for observation, sunk in the ground and his first work on returning was to use it. There was a foot of water in the bottom. This made him think of war as a colossal futility. These were the bad results of going on leave. Was cheerful by the time he returned and had a pleasant evening playing Bridge with Platnauer, Earl, and Grant.

He was to be made an Orderly Officer at Headquarters whilst the adjutant was away. He would learn his job and it would last at least five weeks. He was told that the Colonel was a very nice man, the acting adjutant and signalling-officer were decent fellows and the doctor was a bore. He considered it a good move.

He had begun to read Raymond. He hated Oliver Lodge’s style. Thought the communication from Myers (‘Turnus’—a spirit guide?) was interesting but might be a case of thought reading. Mrs Piper was well known to all the S.P.R. folk [Society for Psychical Research]. Discusses mediums and their work.

Thanks her for the socks, stockings, and chocolate cake.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Jan 2 1916' [it was actually written in 1917] after his return to France from leave

Comments on his recent time at home during his leave.

Had been assigned to look after a Colonel but said he wasn’t a valet. It was a cushy job, very quiet and safe not far from the batteries. He shared a dug out with Robinson, the acting adjutant. It leaked a bit but they had a fine oil stove. He would rather be alone but was happy enough.

They lived less under ground than in the battery. The office was a canvas hut, the mess room was a tunnel shaped chamber. There was a gay atmosphere, the doctor was ragged a good deal and officers from the batteries were entertained a good deal - Anderson from 109 had spent the previous evening with them.

Hopes his breeches will arrive soon as he could see himself tramping about observation posts as his knowledge of that work was his chief utility. The reconnaissance report he had written was being considered by Royal Artillery Headquarters.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Jan 4 1916' [it was actually written in 1917]

Bell was on his way back to join his new battery and Captain Lithgow had been awarded a Military Cross and he was dining at the battery that evening to celebrate both events.

Had spent 2 gay evenings playing poker chiefly to amuse the Colonel. It was annoying that there wasn’t much for anyone there to do but supposed it would be different when big operations were going on.

He had read more of A Shepherd’s Life and asks if she had too.

Trafford had called to ask him to meet him at a Hotel in Amiens.

Supposes she would have Ursula with her and asks Ruth to tell her the carols had arrived two days ago along with Mother’s Xmas parcel. Avie’s was still to come.

Music was at a discount and he couldn’t practice the occharina there but they did have a good gramophone.

Letter to Ruth Mallory written from France on 'Jan 6 1916' [it was actually written in 1917]

He had been hoping and hoping for this news [that she was expecting their second child] and they wouldn’t worry whether it was a girl or boy.

He wasn’t sure how to describe his job. Robinson had spent the first two days telling him there wasn’t much for him to do. He felt Robinson was impressed with himself in the role of adjutant and was anxious to do everything himself. His role was to look after the Colonel which meant accompanying him on his rounds and being generally informed. He had taken the Colonel up to see where they observed from. They had also ridden out to see an alternative battery position. He had only ridden a horse once in the last 10 years but it was a tame business. Thought their children should learn to ride.

He would have to get to know the other batteries in the group which would be interesting. He was in charge of the living quarters and would probably have to run the mess although McLeod, the signalling officer, was doing that at present. It was a footling old woman’s job. He hoped he could make a better job for himself. He liked the men there especially the Colonel and McLeod.

Wondered if anything would come of the strained situation between Austria and Germany.

Had to write letters to mother, Avie, Trafford and Geoffrey Keynes.